These are the best value places in the UK to buy a used car

Liverpool has been named the best value city for used car buyers in a new comparison of key factors in second-hand car shopping.

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The Merseyside city was rated top by AA Cars, which analysed prices, age and mileage to measure the best overall value used cars in the country.

It beat Derby, Winsford, Nottingham and Preston for its combination of price and condition, with the average used car costing £10,557 and being newer and with lower mileage than the national average - at 4.1 years and 32,073 miles.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that commuters are looking for private cars rather than return to using public transport and many used car retailers have reported strong sales since lockdown restrictions eased. However, AA Cars figures show that, despite increased demand, average prices remain lower than at the start of the year.

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Liverpool had the best combination of age, price and mileage (Photo: Shutterstock)Liverpool had the best combination of age, price and mileage (Photo: Shutterstock)
Liverpool had the best combination of age, price and mileage (Photo: Shutterstock)
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Average prices of vehicles on the used car platform are now £11,566, down from £12,097 in January.

That puts Liverpool ahead of the average but for the outright cheapest cars, shoppers need to head to Bedford, where the average used car costs £7,925. However, with an average age of 7.7 years and average mileage of nearly 69,000 miles there’s a reason for that lower asking price and Bedford didn’t make it into the top 20 best value locations.

Analysing data from 40 towns and cities, the research found Winsford, in Cheshire, had the lowest average used car age, at just 3.6 years and finished third in the overall ranking for the best value places to buy a used car. It was also top for mileage, at 24,181 miles on the clock on average. The average cost is higher than Liverpool at £13,576, however.

The 10 best value used car locations

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(Data: AA Cars)(Data: AA Cars)
(Data: AA Cars)

James Fairclough, CEO of AA Cars commented: “Business has been brisk in the used car market ever since dealerships re-opened.

“Some drivers may be looking to swap their commute via public transport for a car, while other drivers who typically buy from new may have switched to the second-hand market, where you can get great value for money on high quality, nearly new vehicles.

“With many consumers facing financial pressures as a result of the pandemic, drivers want to know where they can get the best value for money on their next car. It’s striking how much regional variation there is, with some areas of Britain offering considerable added value - and Liverpool finishing top of our ranking.

“Online portals make it easier for drivers to research what is on offer outside their local area, helping them secure a good deal.”